Chapter 414
Chapter 414:
Yelena sighed, still unmoved. But Erica’s relentless pleading, paired with a dramatic puppy-eyed look, eventually wore her down.
“Fine,” Yelena relented, her tone heavy with reluctance.
Erica grinned triumphantly, grabbing Yelena’s hand and all but dragging her toward the auditorium.
Inside, Monica stood near the stage, engaged in light conversation with Austin and John. She seemed relaxed—until her eyes flicked toward the entrance, catching sight of Yelena. Her expression hardened immediately.
Luckily for Monica, Austin and John were facing the opposite direction, oblivious to the newcomer’s presence.
Monica quickly recovered, turning back to the conversation with an overly casual air. “It’s such an honor to perform here at Kheley University,” she said, her tone dripping with false cheer. “I suppose your speech today is just an excuse to meet me, hmm p>
Monica smiled and continued, “Well, my performance is scheduled last, so why don’t you stick around? Afterward, we could leave together. I’ve actually never been to Kheley University’s Eighfast branch here before, and I wouldn’t mind a tour p>
Monica had spent her entire life in Kheley, attending local schools and never venturing into this part of the country.
The unfamiliar surroundings made her slightly uneasy, but she masked her indifference with feigned interest. If playing the eager visitor kept Austin and John by her side a little longer, so be it.
In truth, it was Austin she wanted to stay close to.
John, ever the observant one, caught the subtle shift in her demeanor and smirked internally. If this were for Yelena, maybe Austin would entertain the idea. But Monica? He mentally shrugged. Not a chance.
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Austin, as expected, didn’t even bother with tact. “Sorry, but I can’t,” he said flatly, his tone dripping with polite resistance.
The only reason he was here at all was Yelena. She had turned down his dinner invitation the night before, saying she had to head back to school. On impulse, he decided to show up here instead.
The moment the school caught wind of his visit, they had turned it into a spectacle.
Within hours, the news had spread, and the auditorium was packed with a crowd that made it feel more like a festival than a casual speech.
Latecomers were left standing outside with all the seats occupied, and among them were Yelena and Erica.
Erica sighed, disappointment etched on her face. “This is such a shame! We should’ve come earlier p>
Yelena, however, remained unfazed, her usual calm demeanor unshaken. But seeing Erica’s crestfallen look, she felt a twinge of sympathy.
As Austin and John attempted to move toward the auditorium, Monica suddenly stepped in front of them, blocking their path.
“Let’s try another way,” she said.
Austin stopped abruptly, his brow knitting in frustration.
Why was she being so difficult all of a sudden?
John, less patient, crossed his arms. “Seriously, Monica? You’re standing in the way p>
At John’s words, Monica’s expression shifted. Her eyes shimmered as if on the verge of tears, her lower lip trembling ever so slightly.
John ran a hand through his hair, a wave of unease washing over him as he looked at Monica.
He couldn’t stand seeing girls cry. It always left him feeling restless.
“You don’t want us to be late for the speech, do you? Can you imagine what that would do to Austin’s reputation?” John said in an irritated tone.
Monica paused for a moment, thinking that enough time had passed and Yelena was likely to have left.